Free Step Dodge

What are you having difficulties with?

Mine is probably worse.

Might be because Akira kind of doesn't teach you defense since his neutral game is very strong to start an offense. Before I go any further, may I ask what other character(s) do you normally play?

Akira, Bayman, Leon, Brad Wong, Tina. In that order.

I make really shitty decisions on when they're canceling strings, going for a throw, when it's right to stagger escape, and when I should actually mash.

Looks like we're on the same boat @Sly Bass

Sounds like your problem is that your reads are inaccurate, even though you have the right ideas.